King & Conqueror (2025) - A Guest Review by Chad Dixon

This is an 8-part TV historical drama, co-produced by many companies including RVK Studios, Iceland and the BBC - and is currently on the BBC iPlayer. I use the term, Historical advisedly here, as they really do play fast and loose with both the facts and timeline! Covering an actual period of about 24 years from 1042 to the iconic year of 1066, this story mainly covers the interactions between three powerful families. The Houses of Wessex, Godwin and Normandy but does involve other strong noble families within England and France.

As always in the early Middle Ages, there was a power struggle for control of the English Crown. The death of Harthacanute, the last Viking born King of these isles, leaves a vacant throne. The strong-willed widow of the previous English-born King, Emma of Normandy, played deliciously by Juliet Stevenson, is determined to get her Son, Edward the Confessor (Eddie Marsan), to become the next monarch. The major noble families are generally happy with this choice - even if Edward does come across as weak and preoccupied with the voices in his head, that he insists are directly from God.

The most prominent of the nobles are the Godwin's, of which the middle Son is Harold (James Norton). His younger sister Gunhild (Bo Bragason), is Queen to Edward and although young, seems to be getting the measure of her dominating mother-in-law. Meanwhile, across the channel, Emma's great nephew, William (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), is in a fierce disagreement with King Henry of France about how much influence the French crown should have over Normandy.

This is a pretty lavish production that wouldn't look amiss on the big screen. Period costume and weapon technology look pretty authentic. The limited indoor locations seem fairly modest but enough in order to keep the story moving along during the frequent and longish expositions scenes. The main characters were accompanied well by a solid group of supporting performances, especially from Emily Beecham as Harold's beloved Wife and Clémence Poésy as William's Spouse, The Duchess of Normandy. Her ever-charming but constantly interfering Father, Baldwin of Flanders (Oliver Masucci), should get a special mention for his excellent low-level Machiavellian exploits to undermine her and William.

The multiple skirmishes, other battles and the monumental clash on the field at Hastings are definitely what stands out in this production - with authentic-looking combat sequences that were extremely bloody with many realistic wounding scenes. Not for the faint-hearted but after other recent popular sword-and-shield drama series' like The Vikings and Game of Thrones, that raw content would be conspicuous if absent.

The script is very expository but in spite of that, all the performances are situationally believable. The chemistry between the leads, who actually did historically meet a couple of times before the legendary 1066 clash, are strong and carry along the narrative well. I can even forgive that Harold never seemed to have a clean face, even during his own coronation - and the moustached William looked like a time travelled 1970's Dad! Thought this series feels about two episodes too long, the attrition builds quite steadily. Due to constant power struggles, the relationship between these once-amicable distant relatives slowly deteriorates to produce total mortal enemies.

Motorola Edge 60 Neo

The Edge 50 Neo was my Phone of the Year for 2024 and very often my SIM Card finds its way back to the unit. So many reasons to love it which you can read about in my full review here on my Blog from October of that year. Because of this (and my love for all things Moto) I've been really looking forward to this updated version. If you read that review, you might wonder how on earth they could impress me with any changes. But I'm looking at specs now to find out...

Usually at the end of my phone reviews I'll do a recommended/not recommended with certain caveats or ways in which it could be better. The review of the Edge 50 Neo is notable for not having any of that at the end, it was such a well-rounded device with everything I could possibly want. So more the fear now will be whether or not they are going to take anything away from my apparently perfect phone!

So let's scout through the specs at GSMArena in the usual way and see what we can pick up. I guess Gorilla Glass 3 on the front could have been a more robust version and sure enough, Gorilla Glass 7i has been added to the 60 instead, which should make for less chance of scratching/breaking on impact (though my carefully-used 50 has none of that, 18 months on). The IP6/8 on the 50 has been upped to include IP6/9 for 'high pressure water in industrial environments' and MIL-STD-810H compliance retained.

I'm delighted to see that they haven't followed the general trend in making the phone bigger as it retains the dinky 6.36" screen. With the exact same dimensions it's a truly pocketable, one-handed phone, for those who have good eyes still (or happy to wear glasses when needed if they're old and knackered like mine)! The lovely P-OLED panel looks to be the exact same with optical, under-glass fingerprint scanner. The specs also show that it has an LTPO display still with AoD which was a bit of a worry for me, given that they supplied the 'global' Edge 60 Pro with a non-LTPO display and only people in India could get the LTPO version.

Being released in autumn 2025 it would have certainly been nice to see it arrive with Android 16 instead of 15, but with Android kinda plateauing out largely these days and the promise of 5 OS updates retained this time, it's not such a worry really. Still wonder what Moto are going to do with M3E (if anything) on their HelloUI on top of Android.

The chipset has been upgraded from the Mediatek Dimensity 7300 (4nm) to 7400 (4nm). If there was one area where an increase in performance could have been implemented, maybe this was it - but in my review of the 50 I also noted that for most people, almost all of the time, it was just fine. The slowdown I noted was during heavier data-copying tasks, but not at all day-to-day stuff. The 7400 was used in this year's Edge 60 (well, the Indian one anyway) and yes, it's an incremental update and I shall be keen to see the difference in real-world use.

The internal storage options are much the same from 128GB/8GB to 512GB/12GB depending on region for availability I guess. My 50 is 256GB/8GB and it seems to hit the sweet spot there, having no trouble running multiple tasks and even driving Smart Connect regularly. One tech-spec that is different though is that the storage on the new 60 is uMCP instead of UFS 2.2. What difference this makes, it seems, relies on a whole bunch of different factors which one needs to be a tech-head to understand and follower on benchmark tests! I'm perfectly confident that this will not cause a huge issue for Joe Public.

I expect Smart Connect to be exact same as all the Moto phones now, not wired, but wireless now works perfectly well given a decent home network.

The battery is something of note as the 50, with stonkingly good performance in this respect in my findings from its 4,310mAh unit has been usurped by a 5,200mAh unit in the 60. I can only imagine that this will take the 50 experience of a good two days to a 60 one of a good long weekend! From what I can uncover online, this battery is Lithium-ion still rather than Silicon-carbon, used in the upcoming Edge 70 by Moto and other OEMs far-east. The 68W wired and 15W wireless Qi charging have both been retained but I'm guessing now that there's not going to be a charger in the box! Maybe in some regions they will retain that practice.

The stereo speakers on the 50 were just great and my guess is that they will be just the same on this 60. Yes, they could be better, but again, for most people, most of the time for most uses they are very good and punch above their weight. There's only so far that an OEM can go with physics in a tiny little phone like this. Bluetooth has been upped from 5.3 to 5.4 but I guess that's really not hugely significant.

For those wanting to use cameras in their phones, it looks like the setup is identical in the 60 to the 50 to me, so check out my above-linked review for thoughts on the 50MP f1.8 main shooter with OIS, 10MP f2 3x optical zoom with OIS, 13MP f2.2 wide-angle with Macro AF and 32MP f2.4 Selfie - as it looks like it'll all be the same findings.

And that's about it really. Certainly an evolutionary, iterative update - but one which I shall be ordering on Day 1 for myself, not waiting for Moto PR to send a review unit! And the icing on the cake, for me, is that it's still going to be available in Pantone's Poinciana, the lovely red colour that my 50 has. The other colours are going to be Latte, Frostbite and Grisaille - no Nautical Blue and Mocha Mousse gone. Looks like it's going to be the same £399 release price, which will, no doubt, within months, be right down to £299 (if not £249). So those with an ounce of sense (not me) will, of course, bide their time!

Photos courtesy of GSMArena - do go and support them - check out all their coverage, spec-sheets and reviews on all sorts of phones, with decades of data.

Vicious (2025)

This horror film, directed by Bryan Bertino, is more of a psychological nightmare based on one girl's life, some kind of never-explained curse-spirit thing and a game it plays on the keeper of a wooden-looking box with a big egg-timer inside. It's just arriving on streaming in the UK, first-up Paramount+ via Amazon Prime.

The person who is given the box has to put three things inside in order to stop the egg-timer's progress and their own death, that very evening! The best thing about this daftly-premised story is the performance of Dakota Fanning as the person we mainly follow, Polly. I do think that she's maturing well as an actress and have followed her progress from the early likes of Man on Fire (2004) to Ripley (2024) and The Watched (2024).

An old woman appears at Polly's door, looks cold and in need of kindness, so Polly invites her in. Big mistake! While Polly is making a drink, she whips out the box and timer, puts it on the coffee table and tells Polly that she's now cursed and will die tonight. Nothing about how to avoid that. She throws the woman out eventually, box and all, but when she's gone, Polly sees the box in the middle of the road.

Polly presents as a bit of a mess really, failing at most things in life, propped up by her sister financially and those around her seem more interested in her doing something with her life than she does. Later in the film, these character traits become significant as the spirit thingie seems to home in on such people.

The three things that have to go into the box, she finds out by visions, teases from the spirit, appearances from people who are dead, not there, not themselves or whatever - you get the idea - are something she hates, something she loves and something she needs. Part of this psychology could be said to have a bearing on people with mental health issues - though not directly. It's all a bit confusing often and by the end of it, after all the reveals, I still wasn't really 100% sure how it hung together!

Anyway, Polly starts to try and work out what complies with these demands, largely by trial and error. Some end up being pretty gruesome as she struggles for her life. The first thing she offers, for example, is a pack of fags - we have seen previously that other people around her think she should give up smoking - and she has tried to - but they didn't comply because she didn't "hate" them herself.

As I say, quite often it gets confusing and yes, all a bit daft. But the atmosphere is creepy and the sinister tone keeps the viewer on their toes. The 100-minute runtime passed quickly. There is an ending, but it's left a little to one's interpretation - possibly saying more about Polly and others' mental well-being. At the end, we can't be sure if it's all been 'real' for the characters though there are some bits of evidence which suggest that a lot of it was.

Watch it for Dakota Fanning's performance though as she holds the film together, present in every scene, convincing in the role, demonstrating the required emotion, frustration and terror, holding the story together, daft as it may be. Watch it also for the chilling atmosphere and thoughtful lighting and camerawork.

The Smashing Machine (2025) - A Guest Review by Chad Dixon

This is the first solo directorial film by Benny Safdie. It follows the true story of American professional wrestler, Mark Kerr, played by Dwayne Johnson, during a part of his career when, during the late 1990's, he obtained a major fan-following in the UFC, Ultimate Fighting Championships, held in Japan.

Having already worked their way up through the amateur wrestling ranks, Kerr and his good friend, fellow UFC fighter Mark Coleman (Ryan Bader), are preparing for the Tokyo tournament back in the USA. However, home life is not serene at this time as long-time supportive Girlfriend, Dawn Staples (Emily Blunt), is feeling a bit ignored - as Kerr's focus intensifies on his training regime.

On top of this and against the advice of Coleman, Kerr seems to be relying more and more on ever-stronger pain killers. And eventually during the tournament, just before a massive bout against a notoriously hard-hitting Ukrainian, all these things seem to be weighing on his mind in the changing room. So - is Kerr ready for the fight of his life?

This film would make a good double-bill with 2008's 'The Wrestler' as it has a similar 'gritty' feel and simple handheld filming style. Now that Dwayne's physical presence in all his multiple action roles have made him a major box office draw, I have to say that seeing him on the big screen in the wrestling garb that was part of his bread and butter for many years before Hollywood came knocking, made me feel that this role was the most perfect for him so far. We can finally see his acting prowess.

Emily Blunt's performance as the super glam, perfectly manicured - but troubled - Dawn, was also a bit of a departure from anything I've seen her previously in, but she pulled off a solidly intense performance. All the other roles were filled by actual combat sportsmen, in some cases playing themselves. Also, the great sound keeps you right inside the ring's grappling action so the collisions of these immense male athletes could really be felt. Some superb needle drops but the 2 hour 3 minute runtime seemed about spot on to tell this fairly small segment of the life of this humble, however pioneering, combat sportsman!

Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue (2025) - A Guest Review by Chad Dixon

This is a six part mystery drama currently on the BBC iPlayer and is how 'Lost' should have been. Thrown together on a small-time budget airline, eight strangers and two crew members were on their way from Central America to Houston, Texas, when an unexpected empty fuel tank forces the pilot to crash land in the remote Mexican jungle. When the broken twin prop plane finally comes to a stop the passengers immediately discover that the first casualty is the one female cabin crew.

Obviously, nobody has signal on their mobile phones and with none of them familiar with this jungle terrain, a race to organise their meagre food and water supplies ensues and an amicable decision to sit tight and wait for the inevitable rescue by the authorities is made. Though, after the badly-wounded pilot succumbs to his crash injuries overnight, tensions and accusations build up fast in the diverse group that one or more of them are not quite who they say they are and why they were on the plane.

Only a couple of faces were familiar to me. Eric McCormack (Will & Grace) as the constantly whining ex-doctor, Kevin Anderson and Siobhán McSweeney (Derry Girls) as one half of a MAGA-supporting, ultra-cynical married couple - sporting a brilliantly deep southern accent. 

However, there's a solid ensemble performance and the twists and turns of the plot keeps you constantly guessing as to what's really going on. The sultry jungle location, although vast in nature, feels really claustrophobic as all the survivors try to deal with their ever deteriorating predicament.

I found this a gripping watch and as all episodes were around 45 mins, it's easily bingeable in a single day. The reveal at the end is definitely rewarding so I highly recommend this mini TV series.

Bait (2025)

This is a truly bad film. A spectacular failure. It begins with the Herring family getting into a car accident - only slightly less ludicrously staged than the obvious studio footage inside the car while they are travelling!

After the crash, they wake up trapped in a basement, the unwilling guests of some sort of a human gatekeeper and his caged and chained flesh-eating monster - with abysmal makeup and design - it's a bloke with a rug over his shoulders and mask on! That picture of the creature on the poster has not one tincture of resemblance to the one in the film! You might expect the family to panic and feel terror - but actually, they all seem pretty calm about it. The acting from the whole cast is diabolical.

The creature is served up humans by the gatekeeper as it can only live on human flesh. So it's his job to keep providing fodder (by, in this case, snagging a family of four by staging the car crash). Eventually, the family are given an ultimatum - who is first?! If they don't decide, Mr Gatekeeper will!

It takes them sometime to start to work together to overcome the creature and gatekeeper. At this point we're shown where what budget there was went - the prosthetics of bits of human body half-eaten. It's not at all convincing. How they can dub this film with a 'horror' label I don't know!

There's zero suspense or tension throughout, just poor acting. There's zero atmosphere, hand-held camera throughout, dreadful soundtrack and production values which would feel at home in Llamageddon or Winnie the Pooh: Blood and Honey!

The director is Andrea M Catinella who has other projects of a similar loony approach, like Mouseboat Massacre and Piglet, so I should have expected this really! It's amazing that people can make films like this - or want to. I guess they must think they can make some money from it somehow. Keep your £2.99 in your pocket instead of giving it to Amazon Prime Video, unless you want to see, wide-eyed, for yourself - or financially support this tomfoolery!

PodhubUK Podcasts for the Month of September 2025

...a roundup of our month of podcasting. Links to the team, communities and podcast homes on the net at the foot, so scroll down!

The Phones Show Chat Podcast

Episode 867 - Disable Doze

Monday 1st September

Here we go then with the new-look, new-feel Pod and we hope that you enjoy it. Please let us know, either way. Malcolm Bryant joins Joe and I as we do a geeky dive into sideloading restrictions, alternative app stores, Launcher permissions and loads more. We have news of new phones, chat about the Honor Magic V5, Moto Edge 60 Pro and Honor 400 Pro - and still have time for POTW and Classifieds. All a bit different, but here it is! Special thanks to Aidan for the theme music!

Whatever Works

Episode 231 - Toothpaste in the Fridge!
Tuesday 2nd September

Aidan and I are back with another hour of fun and frolics as we discover, against the odds, Whatever Works. For us and you! This time we visit a Belgian Fjord, Ramble with a Yeti, shine a Torch on Hearing Tests, warm-up for emails and much more. So do join us. It's mandatory!

Projector Room

Episode 193 - The Smokin' Ballerina
Wednesday 3rd September

Gareth and I warmly welcome back Allan after his filming event as we get back on track with the usual trio, nattering about film, cinema and TV. This time Audrey Rose goes up in Smoke, Wolfs take no Prisoners, F1 meets Mr Mum, there are Weapons aplenty in Run Silent Run Deep and yes, OK, some of us drool over AdA in Ballerina!

The Camera Creations Podcast

Episode 6 - The Camera in the Pocket

Wednesday 10th September

Joe, Chris C, Ian and Chris K join me again this time for a natter for an hour about all things camera and photography. We talk about what's in the news, what's rumoured, how 35mm film compacts were, well, compact - and everyone compares the bags they carry gear in. Plus loads more as always!

The Phones Show Chat Podcast

Episode 868 - The Magic of Honor

Monday 15th September

Joe and I are back with a catchup week as I do the headlong into Honor 400 Pro, Joe the Magic V5. Joe summarises the new Apple hardware, we natter about new apps and software, my Sony Xperia 5 Mk IV revisit, what's coming in E Ink, Photo of the Week and oodles more! A big thank you to Aidan for the scrummy Nokia-style new theme tune and Malcolm Bryant for his invaluable help with fixing rss code - where Gemma couldn't!

Projector Room

Episode 194 - Woken in Yuma County
Wednesday 17th September

Gareth, Allan and I are back with our usual fortnightly roundup. This time we tinker with TekWar, go up in Smoke on an Alien Earth, introduce Dirty Harry to Charley Varrick, face The Prisoner in Wednesday and still have enough time for what's coming soon and oodles more. Tune in, why not!

The Camera Creations Podcast

Episode 7 - Does Sensor Size Matter?

Wednesday 24th September

Joe, Chris C, Ian, Chris K and I are joined by Ed Hause this time as we talk about this important question! Loads of other stuff too with some great photos to talk about, news and rumours aplenty too. Available now in the usual places, so do get stuck in, snap snap, grin grin, wink wink! All the links you need are at tedsalmon.com/cameracreations including that Shared Google Photos Album so you can actually see what we're bangin' on about!

The Phones Show Chat Podcast

Episode 869 - The Apple Pip

Monday 29th September

Joe and I welcome Pip Tomlinson and Chris K to natter for an hour or so about their findings with new and shiny Apple phones. I try to chip in where I can but Joe does a much better job keeping up! Plus some other stuff, like the SnapDragon Summit, new Moto hardware, Honor phones briefly and POTM for August!

The Podcasts (PodHubUK)

Phones Show Chat - Whatever Works - Chewing Gum for the Ears - Projector Room - Tech Addicts - Camera Creations

The MeWe Community Groups (follow the links to join up)
Phones Show Chat - Whatever Works - Chewing Gum for the Ears - Projector Room - PSC Photos - PSC Videos - PSC Classifieds - PSC Health - Coffee Time - Camera Creations - Tech Addicts

The Team
Ted Salmon - Steve Litchfield - Aidan Bell - Gareth Myles - Allan Gildea - Joe Hickey - Chris Clayton - Ian Bundey - Chris Kelly